17 June 2026
The results of the Big Insect Rescue Survey, which ran in October 2025, have been published this week, revealing the urgent actions the public wants to see happen to tackle the UK’s insect decline.
More than 2,500 people submitted responses to the survey, a collaborative project run by three UK conservation charities: the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Buglife, and Butterfly Conservation. The results outline the top priorities for national governments, councils, and for our local communities in supporting our insects.
Senior Science and Policy Officer at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Darryl Cox, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who added their voice on behalf of bumblebees and our other important insects. It’s encouraging to see strong public support for action to help insects, and while governments and councils are taking some useful actions, they simply aren’t going far enough or fast enough. Insects such as bumblebees need our help now, and people across the UK clearly want stronger, faster action.”
Darryl Cox added: “The good news is that everyone can play a part, from avoiding pesticides in their gardens and planting pollinator-friendly flowers like lavender, to writing to their MP to help drive the changes we urgently need for our vital bumblebees and other insects.”
What people want from national government
Survey respondents overwhelmingly called for stronger national leadership to tackle insect declines. A recurring theme was the urgent need to reduce pesticide use, with many recognising the damaging impact chemicals can have on pollinators and wider ecosystems. Alongside this, people highlighted the importance of restoring and protecting waterways, rivers and ponds to ensure these vital habitats can support insect life.
Recognising that agriculture plays a crucial role in insect recovery, there was also strong support for helping farmers transition to nature-friendly practices. Respondents emphasised that protected habitats must not only be created but also connected, allowing species like bumblebees to move and thrive. Finally, ensuring new housing and infrastructure developments are designed with nature in mind was seen as essential to reversing declines.
What people want from local councils
At a local level, people want to see immediate, visible change in how spaces are managed. Creating insect-friendly habitats, such as wildflower-rich road verges, parks, and urban meadows, was a clear priority, showing a strong public appetite for greener, more wildlife-friendly communities.
Going pesticide-free was another key demand, reflecting growing awareness of how local authority decisions directly affect pollinators. Respondents also want councils to embed nature into planning decisions, ensuring that new developments include space for insects rather than pushing them out. Tackling light pollution emerged as an additional concern, recognising its impact on moths and other nocturnal species.
What local communities can do right now
The survey also highlighted the powerful role communities can play. People want to see reduced pesticide use at a grassroots level, alongside changes to how green spaces are maintained, such as cutting grass less frequently to allow important wildflowers to bloom.
Education and access to resources were also seen as vital, helping more people take part in nature-friendly gardening and conservation. Respondents highlighted the importance of upgrading outdoor lighting to be more wildlife-friendly and creating more opportunities to learn about insects throughout life, from schools to community groups.
These actions show that change doesn’t just happen from the top. We can all make a difference, right outside our front doors.
Big Insect Rescue Survey priority actions in full
Top priorities for national governments:
- Set stronger rules to reduce pesticide use
- Restore clean rivers, streams, lakes and ponds – and protect them from pollution
- Provide resources for farmers to go nature–friendly
- Create and connect of protected habitats for insects
- Make new housing and land developments nature–friendly.
Top priorities for local councils:
- Create insect-friendly spaces such as urban meadows or flower-rich road verges
- Go pesticide free
- Commit to become nature-friendly
- Secure space for insects in all newly approved developments
- Take action to limit light pollution which harms moths and other insects.
Top priorities for communities:
- Limiting the use of pesticides in the community
- Reduction of grass-cutting regimes in parks at certain times of the year
- Education and resources for the community on nature-friendly gardening
- Resources to swap old, inefficient, outdoor lighting for newer, wildlife-friendly lighting
- Opportunities for life-long learning about insects and the environment.